Spain, one of the pre-tournament favourites, went into the match at the Wellington Regional Stadium favoured to win but were blown away in blustery conditions by a tactically disciplined Japan who sealed top spot and a Round of 16 meeting with Norway on Saturday.
While Ikeda went to great lengths to praise his players, it was obvious that victory was due to his well-laid plans with Barcelona stars Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmati reduced to being mere passengers with Spain not creating a single chance.
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